Peruvian authorities have been forced to close Machu Picchu after protests in Peru continue to cause chaos across the nation.
The archaeological site, which has earnt a wonder of the world status and usually sees up to 1.5 million visitors a year, will be closed until further notice along with the surrounding Inca rail network.
Smartraveller updated its advice on its website stating: “Due to ongoing unrest, the Machu Picchu tourist site has been temporarily closed along with the Inca Trail hiking route and rail services have been suspended.
“We continue to advise you reconsider your need to travel to Cusco, Puno, Arequipa and Ayacucho due to the ongoing civil unrest.”
Tensions have been high in Peru since the removal of President Castillo who was been accused in multiple corruption investigations in December 2022. He was replaced by his vice-president Dina Boluarte, the sixth president in five years.
The nation is pushing for a complete change of power with violent protests taking place across the nation pushing for better health care, public housing and a lack of further funding for public education.
Reports indicate there have been up to 50 lives lost in the protests as demonstrators clash with police in the streets.
BREAKING VIDEO: Anti Government protests that have continued for over a month in Peru have just closed Machu Picchu leaving hundreds of tourists stranded. pic.twitter.com/Vu8xlxbPqO
— Trending 911 🌐 (@911NewsBreaks) January 22, 2023
Officials have been forced to close Machu Picchu and the surrounding Inca train network after trains were blocked and tracks damaged in certain areas, leaving over 400 people stranded in the district.
“People are still trapped in Machu Picchu. 417 tourists cannot live the city, more than 300 are foreigners,” Peru’s minister of foreign trade and tourism Luis Helguero said.
